With the passing of Abigail Van Buren in January, it seems that the world may have room for a new advice columnist. Yes, “Dear Abby” is still being written by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips. And quite a few readers tune in to “The Washington Post” each week for candid and witty relationship help from Carolyn Hax. Others consult Dr. Tracy, or Dr. Phil, or Dr. Oz, and some may even catch re-runs of “Peanuts,” anxious to hear what sage counsel Lucy will have for Charlie Brown. After all, she only charges five cents.
In all modesty, let me propose that the Clax has been around the block and may have some folksy wisdom to share. So from time to time I will print letters from readers who have a problem that needs solving. Please send them to Box 12248. All submissions will be completely anonymous. Here’s one I got this week.
Dear Clax: I need some advice. I will be retiring soon after 26 years in university administration. It’s been a marvelous experience, and I’ve enjoyed all the camaraderie relative to my work. But now I am not sure what to do with my time. Any suggestions? DBB.
Dear DBB: First of all, congratulations. To dedicate more than a quarter century to a work that you love is a remarkable gift. You must have been blessed with abundant vision, energy and patience. I’m sure you feel proud of all you have accomplished, all of the colleagues you have worked with and the countless individuals you have influenced. I suspect that there are people whose lives have been changed for the better because they got the chance to learn from your experience and to benefit from your enthusiastic service. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that there are many people out there who have great stories of how you made a positive difference that will last for their lifetimes, and even beyond.
No one stays at a job for that long without leaving his institution better than he found it. And I’ll bet a lot of your co-workers are deeply thankful to you for the example you have given, for the tone you have set in your workplace, for the way I imagine you greeted them every day — maybe saying good morning to each one of them. I’m certain those who share your love for this job will walk every day past something you have built, or will work on some program you have started, and I suspect they will do so with pride and gratitude. Because of your leadership, I’ll wager many people have gotten the chance to go places they would never have dreamed of. You sound like a person who loves people and who has put your heart and soul into something you believe in deeply.
Yes, it will be hard to let that go. But what a blessing it will be to have someone else attend all those meetings for a while. What a joy it will be to share even more time with your family, who must have supported you faithfully all throughout these 26 years. And retirement is the ideal time to catch up on all the books you’ve wanted to read.
What else can you do? You might take in a little consulting work, since those who come after you probably have a lot of respect for your wisdom. I’m told that people who retire from your line of work often travel, attend sporting events, go boating down the Mississippi and eat barbeque and peanut brittle. You may also want to get involved in some neighborhood construction projects. Let me know if you need any gardening tips.
Whatever you do, please know that you have left a splendid legacy, and that it is far from over. After all, you have not been dismissed. You’ve merely entered a new phase of service, one which I hope will be full of rewards. You certainly deserve them.
That’ll be five cents, please.
